In the world of anime, the Sci-Fi Romance genre has been a hit among viewers for decades.
These stories transport us to otherworldly places, filled with thrilling action, epic battles, and most importantly, heart-pumping romances.
From the farthest corners of the universe to dystopian worlds, imagine forbidden love in a world where anything is possible.
While our recommended Sci-Fi romance anime reflects our personal experiences and tastes, we believe that this captivating genre has something to offer everyone.
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20. Guilty Crown
This captivating anime follows the story of Shuu Ouma, a socially awkward high school student who gains the power of the kings after rescuing the popular internet vocalist Inori Yuzuriha.
As Shuu gets caught in the fight between the military and the resistance group, Funeral Parlor, led by Gai, the plot intensifies with post-apocalyptic Japan as the backdrop.
But what sets Guilty Crown apart is its gripping storyline that blends intense action with intriguing sci-fi elements.
The romantic component between Shuu and Inori adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Guilty Crown is one of the best Sci-Fi anime, thanks to its incredible cast of characters, stunning animation, and epic soundtrack.
Although the premiere moves quickly into action, the world-building catches up soon enough, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
19. Darling in the FranXX
This thrilling and unique anime is an original story with deep themes that explore personal freedom, what defines humanity, and the power of love.
What sets Darling In The FranXX apart is its use of numbers as names, which foreshadow major events and revelations, and each episode title is a hint to the overall plot and themes.
The anime also explores reproduction, making it particularly relevant to current concerns in Japanese society about declining birthrates.
The story takes place in a dystopian future where humans rely on boy-girl pairs to pilot mechas called FranXX to protect their race against giant beasts.
The main characters, Hiro and Zero Two, have a well-developed and fascinating relationship that adds depth to the plot.
The sci-fi elements are top-notch, with incredible world-building and futuristic technology. The animation and soundtrack are stunning, making it an incredibly visually appealing show.
18. Banner Of The Stars
This anime is one of the best Sci-Fi anime out there, with a plot that revolves around a major galactic battle and the relationship between Lafiel and Jinto.
The show focuses on character development and explores the world of Abh by introducing new and developing existing characters.
One of the core strengths of the Stars franchise is solid dialog and strong character interaction, and Banner Of The Stars is no exception.
The show does a superb job of depicting the different concerns and actions of people involved in a major galactic battle.
It also develops the society in much greater detail by giving more insight into the relationship between the Abh/Lander world and introducing non-Abh human characters who serve in the Imperial Navy.
Although the Lafiel-Jinto relationship may seem familiar, the other characters help to keep it fresh. With stunning artwork and animation, this show is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and romance anime alike.
17. The Place Promised in Our Early Days
This visually stunning masterpiece by director Makoto Shinkai blends steampunk and cyberpunk elements to create a beautifully crafted alternate timeline of post-war Japan, just a few years from now.
At the heart of the movie is a touching romantic drama, about 3 high school kids separated by war, and their dream of flying to the top of a massive tower in Ezo.
But what makes this film truly exceptional is how it uses science fiction elements, not for action sequences, but to achieve a kind of drama that you couldn’t get in a film set in the real world.
Shinkai avoids the deathtrap of Movie Science by leaving it up to the viewer to interpret and decipher what the fantasies of the film mean or symbolize.
With stunning visuals and a beautiful score, this movie won the Best Animation Film award at the 2004 Mainichi Film Awards, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a mesmerizing work that delves into themes of unchecked scientific advancements, friendship, and love, all set in a beautifully crafted world.
Though the ending is slightly open-ended, it only leaves you wanting more.
16. Date A Live
With its diverse cast of characters and unique premise, Date A Live is a standout in the sci-fi genre.
But what really sets it apart is the constant introduction of new characters and the opportunity for them to develop beyond their initial archetypes.
With so many personalities to choose from, there’s sure to be at least one character that steals your heart.
The series follows high school student Shidou Itsuka as he navigates a world plagued by spatial quakes and the conflict between the powerful Spirits and the Anti-Spirit Team.
But when his little sister’s organization presents him with an alternative solution to the problem – making the Spirits fall in love with him – the mix of sci-fi and romance creates a refreshing change of pace.
With 4 seasons and a movie, there’s plenty of content to enjoy, and the quality speaks to the franchise’s popularity. And with a passionate fanbase both in Japan and abroad, it’s easy to see why.
15. WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?
WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us? immerses you in a world where humanity struggles to survive against monstrous beasts that dominate the Earth’s surface.
Guided by the last surviving member of Willem Kmetsch, a group of young Leprechauns holds the key to victory.
WorldEnd’s world-building is breathtaking, blending medieval, steampunk, and furry societies with stunning animation.
The lack of a harem allows for a touching and unforgettable love story, centered around the determined and likable heroine Chtholly.
While the anime is not without flaws, such as the inconsistency of fairy weapons and the military’s incompetence, these are minor quibbles compared to the overall enjoyment of the show.
WorldEnd’s heartwarming and thrilling story explores the power of love and family bonds in the face of adversity, making it a must-watch.
14. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Get ready for a thrilling and romantic anime that will take you on an unforgettable journey.
The story of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya centers around an eccentric girl named Haruhi who catches the eye of an ordinary high school student named Kyon.
Inspired by her unique personality, Kyon joins Haruhi in starting a paranormal club. Together, they embark on a series of adventures that blur the line between reality and the supernatural.
You’ll find the hinted romantic tension between Haruhi and Kyon intriguing as it never fully blossoms into a love story, yet manages to keep you thoroughly engaged until the very end.
With a perfect balance of humor and seriousness, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya will have you laughing one moment and tugging at your heartstrings the next.
Add it to your watchlist now and prepare to be swept away into a world of supernatural and romance.
13. Eureka Seven
This award-winning series has everything you could want – from intense mecha battles to a deep and moving romance.
The story follows Renton Thurston, a 14-year-old boy who dreams of joining the mercenary group Gekkostate for adventure.
His life takes a turn when a robot piloted by a young girl named Eureka crashes into his garage. As they work together, Renton becomes Eureka’s co-pilot, and they join Gekkostate on their journey.
The art and animation are top-notch, with beautifully designed mechs that are sure to impress. And while the sound may be forgettable, the acting is solid, with believable performances from the cast.
But what really sets Eureka Seven apart is the romance between Renton and Eureka. It’s deep, moving, and will leave you rooting for them every step of the way.
12. Urusei Yatsura
If you’re a fan of classic sci-fi romance anime, then you don’t want to miss Urusei Yatsura.
Originally airing in the 1980s, this quirky series follows high school student Ataru Moroboshi as he competes against the beautiful and extraterrestrial Lum in a game of tag to save Earth.
But when Ataru unexpectedly wins, Lum moves in with him, and their comical and romantic misadventures begin.
Despite being out of the spotlight for some time, the series has recently returned with a new anime series aired last Fall of 2022.
And with Lum’s vibrant blue-green hair and tiger-striped bikini, she’s easily one of the most recognizable and beloved female characters in all of anime.
Urusei Yatsura’s exceptional mix of sci-fi and romance makes it a must-see classic, with memorable characters and an engaging plot that guarantees entertainment from beginning to end.
11. Mobile Suit Gundam Zeta
This series, set in Universal Century 0087, follows 17-year-old Kamille Bidan as he gets caught up in the conflict between the Titans and AEUG factions after stealing a prototype Gundam.
While the first 2 episodes may seem a bit absurd with their over-the-top action, the show quickly finds its footing and dives into a complex storyline that delves into the relationships between the characters.
And speaking of relationships, the romance between Kamille and Four Murasame is both heartwarming and tragic, adding an emotional depth to the show.
But that’s not all. Zeta Gundam also boasts top-notch sci-fi elements, including advanced technology and intense mecha battles that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
And while the animation and sound may show their age a bit, the overall quality of the show is definitely worth checking out.
10. Castle In The Sky
Produced by Studio Ghibli, this thrilling adventure is a combination of science fiction and romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Castle in the Sky follows Sheeta, a girl with a mysterious crystal amulet that government agents are after. She escapes and teams up with Pazu, a boy with a dream of finding Laputa, the fabled flying castle.
Together, they journey to Laputa while being chased by government agents who want the castle’s power for themselves.
This sci-fi adventure is not just about the journey, but also about how a shared dream brings people together in tough times. With heartwarming friendship and lovable characters, you’ll be rooting for Sheeta and Pazu all the way.
Castle in the Sky blends nature and technology in a flying city that was once a thriving kingdom.
However, greed for power and technology leads to destruction and violence, adding depth to the story. The animation is breathtaking and the soundtrack complements the action and emotions on screen.
It’s no wonder Castle in the Sky is among the best Sci-Fi anime ever.
9. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
This award-winning romance anime movie is packed with excitement and heart and is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
The story follows Makoto Konno, a high school student who suddenly discovers that she has the ability to travel through time.
At first, she uses this power to fulfill her desires but soon realizes that her actions have consequences. As she grapples with the complexities of time and choice, Makoto also navigates a heartwarming romance with her friend Chiaki.
This anime stands out due to its ability to balance humor and conflict, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking, with the added bonus of a subtle but poignant love story.
And with critical acclaim and numerous awards to its name, including Best Animated Film at the Sitges Film Festival and Animation of the Year at the Japan Academy Prize, it’s clear that this anime is not to be missed.
8. Parasyte: The Maxim
Set in an alternate version of present-day Earth, this captivating series tells the story of Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes the host of a parasitic alien named Migi.
Together, Shinichi and Migi must fight off hostile parasites who seek to wipe them out, all while Shinichi struggles to maintain his humanity and keep his love interest, Satomi, safe.
Parasyte: The Maxim is a thrilling ride from start to finish, filled with stunning visuals, epic battles, and a compelling romance that will have you rooting for Shinichi and Satomi every step of the way.
But this anime isn’t just about action and romance as it also comments on important themes like the balance between humanity and the environment, and the nature of morality.
With 2 live-action film adaptations and a legion of devoted fans, Parasyte: The Maxim is a must-watch for anyone looking for a captivating sci-fi romance anime that will leave them breathless.
7. Eden of The East
If you’re a fan of sci-fi romance anime and are looking for something fresh and exciting, then we highly recommend checking out Eden of The East.
This anime is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of mystery, danger, and romance that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
The story centers around the enigmatic Akira Takizawa, who saves Saki Morimi from danger during her trip to America.
As they become closer, they are drawn into a high-stakes game involving money and the fate of the world, as they work to unravel the mystery of the Careless Monday terrorist attack and Takizawa’s lost memories.
This anime was so well-received that it won both the Animation Kobe Award and the Best Television Series of the Year award at the Tokyo International Anime Fair.
To fully appreciate the movies, start with the TV series, and even if you’ve seen it, watch it again for important details. This anime is a must-see for sci-fi, romance, and mystery fans.
6. Martian Successor Nadesico
This anime is the perfect blend of humor, romance, and drama, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The story follows the young and reluctant Akito Tenkawa, who finds himself caught up in a battle between Earth and Mars.
Despite his reservations about fighting, he joins the crew of the Nadesico, where he serves as the ship’s cook and backup mecha pilot.
The show’s mecha designs are some of the coolest you’ll ever see, and the space battles are truly epic in scope.
But what really makes Nadesico stand out is its focus on character development and relationships, especially the beautifully crafted romantic subplot between Akito and Yurika.
Their journey through space is as gripping as it is heartwarming, and it’s impossible not to root for them as they navigate the dangers of space and battle their inner demons.
5. Kaiba
Kaiba is a one-of-a-kind sci-fi romance anime that explores the theme of memories.
In this world, memories are stored in chips outside the body, and the show presents viewers with a range of scenarios showcasing the impact this technology could have on people’s lives.
From machines that allow interaction with a chip to shuffling multiple individuals into one body to save money, the creators deliver new and innovative ideas that will leave you captivated and engaged.
Although the first few episodes may require some patience, the storyline picks up in the later episodes with many plotlines revolving around sorrow, greed, separation of rich vs poor, and romance.
But, here’s a word to the wise, the sexual references in this show are not what you would typically expect from a PG-rated anime, so if you plan to watch it with younger audiences, be warned.
4. Plastic Memories
Plastic Memories is a criminally underrated romance anime that’s definitely worth your time.
The show follows Tsukasa, an 18-year-old who lands a job at a corporation that creates human-like androids called Giftias. These androids have a limited lifespan and when they near the end, they become dangerous.
Tsukasa is assigned to Terminal Service One, a division responsible for collecting the Giftias before they become hazardous, and he’s partnered with Isla, a veteran Giftia who is the best at retrievals.
As they work together, Tsukasa and Isla develop feelings for each other, but their time together is limited.
The show explores themes of mortality and what it means to be human, offering an intriguing storyline and memorable characters.
Despite being labeled as a romantic comedy, Plastic Memories offers heavy doses of drama that add emotional depth to the storyline.
3. Steins;Gate
This series centers around the concept of time travel, following the adventures of eccentric scientist Rintaro Okabe and his friends as they accidentally discover the ability to send text-based messages back in time.
But as they experiment with this newfound power, they draw the attention of the mysterious organization SERN, putting themselves in grave danger.
And with a well-developed romance between Rintaro and his love interest Kurisu Makise, the show explores the theme of sacrifice as Rintaro struggles to save those he loves while risking his own sanity.
Set in the modern Akihabara district of Tokyo, this series provides a grounded setting for an otherwise thrilling science fiction plot.
The otaku and technology center of Tokyo is a perfect backdrop for Okabe’s Future Gadget Laboratory and the unexpected consequences of his experiments.
From the deep and meaningful connections between the characters to the high stakes and thrilling plot, this series will keep you hooked from start to finish.
2. Planetes
Planetes is a captivating sci-fi anime that won the 2005 Seiun Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in science fiction.
It follows the story of Ai Tanabe, a member of the Debris Section at Technora Corporation whose job is to remove dangerous space junk.
This anime stands out with its scientific realism, sociopolitical commentary, and character development.
Set in 2075, it realistically portrays humanity’s relationship with space and the challenges that come with it. The characters are well-developed, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them throughout the anime.
Even though it’s not as well-known as recent anime hits, Planetes is still considered one of the best hard sci-fi anime ever made.
Its exploration of complex themes, attention to detail and realism, and strong characters will make you laugh, cry, and contemplate humanity’s relationship with space.
1. Macross
This iconic show was groundbreaking in its use of a love triangle, adding an extra layer of complexity to the story that will keep you hooked.
The plot follows the United Nations repurposing of an alien spaceship named SDF-1 Macross, which is attacked by the Zentradi and teleports to the far reaches of space.
There, Hikaru, a skilled pilot, and Minmay, an aspiring singer, form a close bond. However, things become complicated with the arrival of talented officer Misa Hayase, and their relationships are put to the test.
Macross had such a huge impact on the anime industry that it inspired the creation of Robotech, a gateway anime title of the ’80s that introduced anime to Western audiences.
With the fourth TV series, Macross Delta, currently airing, there’s no better time to start your journey with Macross.
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